The study of small-scale mechanical behavior remains at the forefront of research in materials science and applied mechanics. The impetus for the significant current activity in this field comes from the need to understand the critical roles of elasticity, plasticity, time-dependent deformation, and fracture in small structures used in many modern technologies, including thin films for microelectronic, optical and MEMS devices, thermal barriers in gas turbines, and tribological coatings. It is recognized that material properties may change drastically when the specimen dimensions are small compared to certain physical and microstructural length scales. Furthermore, mechanical measurements at the nanometer or micrometer scale present significant new challenges, but also opportunities for direct comparisons to atomistic or micromechanical models. In addition, mechanical phenomena in small-scale biological structures offer enticing opportunities to researchers in materials science and applied mechanics, who are investigating these phenomena with concepts and methods originating in the conventional materials community.

In late July 2008 we will explore these issues in depth, in the usual collegial atmosphere of a GRC. An exciting lineup of outstanding invited speakers will present their latest work in a lecture structure similar to that of the previous five meetings of this Conference, and we expect that the poster sessions will be just as lively and enjoyable as the ones in 2006. As Chair and Vice Chair, we encourage you to attend and actively participate in the conference.